Forest fire in 4 provinces! Teams are racing against time.

Forest fires that broke out in the districts of Eceabat in Çanakkale, Göynük in Bolu, Gördes in Manisa, and Dodurga in Çorum have been tackled with aerial and ground operations.

As high temperatures continue to affect the country, news of forest fires has emerged from Çanakkale, Manisa, Bolu, and Çorum.

"14 AIRCRAFT, 31 HELICOPTERS, AND 1413 PERSONNEL ARE FIGHTING THE FIRES"

Agriculture and Forestry Minister İbrahim Yumaklı provided an update on the ongoing forest fires in Çanakkale, Bolu, and Manisa. Minister Yumaklı stated, "14 aircraft, 31 helicopters, 265 land vehicles, and 1413 personnel are directly involved in fighting the fires. In addition to this, our governorships, as well as all public institutions and local administrations, continue to provide vehicle and personnel support."

A WARNING TO CITIZENS

Minister Yumaklı also issued a warning, saying, "Tomorrow, Saturday, and Sunday, there will be even lower humidity, higher temperatures, and stronger winds than what we have experienced so far. We especially urge our citizens in all at-risk provinces from Çanakkale to the Mediterranean to refrain from any actions that could cause a fire."

ÇANAKKALE

A fire broke out in a forested area near Büyükanafarta village, located in the historical Gallipoli Peninsula in the Eceabat district of Çanakkale for reasons yet to be determined. After the fire was noticed, teams from the Çanakkale Regional Directorate of Forestry were dispatched to the scene. The teams that arrived at the area initiated aerial and ground operations to bring the fire under control.

2 FOREST WORKERS INJURED

Two forest workers were injured when the pickup truck with license plate 17 AAC 399 collided with a car while on their way to the scene. The injured workers were taken to the Eceabat State Hospital by 112 Emergency Health teams. It was reported that the general health condition of the injured workers is good. Some forest workers affected by the smoke were also taken to the same hospital for treatment. Gendarmerie teams distributed water to the workers fighting the fire.

ACCESS TO HISTORICAL SITES SUSPENDED

In a statement from the Gallipoli Historical Site Presidency, it was announced that precautions have been taken regarding visits due to the fire. The statement said, "Access to the Northern Line of the Historical Site (Kabatepe Day Trip Area, Sunken Ship, Mimoza, 57th Regiment, Conbayır) has been suspended until a second announcement is made due to the ongoing forest fire in the Eceabat district."

"NO NEED FOR EVACUATION"

Çanakkale Governor Ömer Toraman stated in a social media post that the fire does not pose a risk to residential areas. Toraman stated that all teams, including the forestry organization, are working diligently, and shared the information that the fire is being fought with 8 aircraft, 12 helicopters, 51 land vehicles, and 780 personnel.

In a statement from the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), it was reported that support from vehicles and personnel from neighboring provinces and districts, as well as public institutions and organizations, has been provided for the firefighting efforts. The statement announced that there is no need for evacuation in residential areas due to the fire.

HISTORICAL CEMETERIES DAMAGED

The flames spread to a firefighting team's vehicle. The fire was quickly extinguished by the teams, but the vehicle became unusable. One of the cemeteries belonging to foreigners in the Anzac Cove area was also damaged by the fire.

The rapidly spreading flames reached the Canterbury Cemetery, which was created by moving individual graves and merging them with the surrounding area after 1919, on the eastern side of the Arıburnu road, below Walker's Ridge. The fire caused damage to some trees in the cemetery and the surrounding area, which is a part of the operational zone of the Gallipoli Campaign. The firefighting efforts in the area are ongoing.

MANISA

While efforts to bring the fire under control continue in the forested area near Boyalı neighborhood in Gördes district of Manisa, another fire broke out in a forested area near Kayacık neighborhood, located at a different point away from the fire. Additional teams were dispatched to the area as a result. The fires are being fought by 3 aircraft, 9 helicopters, 70 land vehicles, 17 water supply vehicles, 8 bulldozers, and 6 ground teams belonging to the Izmir Regional Directorate of Forestry.

BOLU

A fire broke out in a forested area near Bekirfakılar village in Göynük district of Bolu. Upon receiving the notification, numerous fire brigade teams and vehicles, as well as 2 bulldozers and helicopters, were dispatched to the area. The efforts to extinguish the fire are ongoing.

Meanwhile, as a result of the fire, the precautionary evacuation of Ayvatlar neighborhood in Yeniköy and Seferler neighborhood in Çaylak village was decided.

GOVERNOR KILIÇ IN THE REGION

Bolu Governor Erkan Kılıç visited the region and conducted inspections, receiving information from officials. Kılıç stated that the cause of the fire, which occurred around 12:30, will be investigated. Kılıç stated that all teams are mobilized to extinguish the fire and continued as follows: "Our Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, İbrahim Yumaklı, is also informed. We are also in contact with our General Director of Forestry. Our Regional Director of Forestry and teams are here. We also requested air support. Currently, 6 helicopters are intervening in the fire by taking water from Sünnet Lake. Dozers and construction equipment are in the area, and others are on their way. Water reinforcements have also been made. All precautions have been taken."

Kılıç stated that there are residential areas near the fire area and they have started evacuation efforts to avoid any problems. Kılıç stated that the direction of the fire can change according to the wind and said, "We are also monitoring that. Currently, we have no loss of life or property. We have sensitivity regarding residential areas, and we are monitoring them. Our teams are in the field. We aim to extinguish the fire as soon as possible."

Kılıç stated that the extinguishing efforts are ongoing and that the wind makes it difficult to intervene in the fire. Kılıç pointed out that an area of ​​100 hectares has been affected by the fire and said, "This can increase. We also requested an aircraft. There are serious fires in Çanakkale and different parts of our country. Our Ministry of Forestry is trying to reach everywhere. They are making efforts in this regard. If there is an opportunity and if our aircraft (night vision) will be effective in night interventions, we will try to ensure its arrival here."

SMOKE COVERED ESKİŞEHİR

The smoke caused by the fire in the forested area in Göynük district of Bolu reached the city center of Eskişehir. The wide layer of smoke was visible from many parts of the city. A part of the sky darkened due to the smoke.

Meanwhile, it was learned that preparations were made in Eskişehir for logistical support and refueling for aircraft that can be used in firefighting efforts.

ÇORUM

A fire broke out in the forested area in Dodurga district of Çorum and Gümüşkedi location for unknown reasons. Upon notification, firefighting teams from the Forestry Directorate and district municipalities were dispatched to the region. Çorum Governor Zülkif Dağlı told AA correspondent that dense smoke rose from the region and said that the teams are making efforts to extinguish the fire as soon as possible.